Bradford Lowell, M.D., Ph.D.

The Lowell Lab utilizes genetic engineering techniques in mice, in conjunction with electrophysiology, and other approaches such as optogenetics and expression of “designer receptors”, to study central neurocircuits controlling behavior, body weight homeostasis, and fuel metabolism. Specifically, Dr. Lowell's group uses transgenic, gene knockout, knockin, and cre-dependent AAV viral approaches to manipulate neuronal function in discrete populations of neurons. The goal of these studies is to link the function of a protein, within defined sets of neurons, with specific behaviors and physiologic processes; the ultimate goal is to mechanistically understand the “neurocircuit basis” for regulation of food intake, energy expenditure and glucose homeostasis.